May 21st, 2013 · Comments Off on Coast Guard continues National Safe Boating Week outreach after alleged BUI incident near Great Kills

NEW YORK – A boat crew from Coast Guard Station Sandy Hook, N.J., took a man into custody Monday, near Great Kills, N.Y., after he was reported to be intoxicated while boating,

The boat crew approached the 26-foot pleasure craft for a routine recreational safety inspection at about 7 p.m. The vessel failed to stop and instead increased their speed and began erratic course alterations, traveling at speeds in excess of 40 mph, highly dangerous in a harbor as crowded as that of New York. The vessel finally stopped near Swinburne Island, N.Y., after a 10-minute pursuit.

The Coast Guard boat crew took the man into custody where he was issued several violations, including failure to heave to, obstruction of a boarding, failure to stop, negligent operations and boating under the influence. He was then transferred over to New York Police Department officials.

“Boating under the influence or boating while intoxicated is just as deadly as drinking and driving,” said Coast Guard Lt. Cdr. Frank Florio, chief of enforcement, Coast Guard Sector New York. “Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents and it is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.”

Penalties for violating BUI and BWI laws can include large fines, suspension or revocation of boat operator privileges and jail terms.